Systems and Methods for Wireless Connectivity of a Musical Instrument

ABSTRACT

In various embodiments, one or more real musical instruments may be used to interact with a program (e.g., a game or learning application) on a digital device such as a game console. A method may comprise receiving a music signal from a port of a real musical instrument, formatting the music signal for transmission to a digital device, wherein the formatted music signal comprises an instrument identifier, and wirelessly transmitting the formatted music signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/230,894, filed on Aug. 3, 2009, by inventors Stephen Gomes,Greg Hunt, Peter Hunt, Ephraim Lindenbaum, Scot Apathy, and Ross Relles,the application entitled “Interactive Music System Wirelessly ConnectingMusical Instruments that Generate Analog Tones to Video Game Consolesand other CPUs for Real-Time Manipulation, Storage and Transmission ofAudio Information, Utilizing Stem formatting for Discrete Control ofIndividual Instrument Tracks” and U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/236,389, filed on Aug. 24, 2009, by inventors Stephen Gomes,Greg Hunt, Peter Hunt, Ephraim Lindenbaum, Scot Apathy, and Ross Relles,the application entitled “Wireless Musical Instrument Interface andControl Device Encompassing an Analog Input with Integrated A/DConverter, Digital ID Branding, Wireless Broadcast Digital Output, andUI Navigation Controls” which are both incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to musical instruments. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to systems and methods for wirelessconnectivity of a musical instrument.

2. Description of Related Art

Games that allow users to play fake instruments to music are notuncommon. In these games, a user purchases a fake instrument that actsas a gaming interface that allows a user to interact with a game. In oneexample, the fake instrument may resemble a guitar generally but includecolorful buttons rather than strings. The fake instrument or toy cannotbe used apart from the game console to play music. The colorful buttonsmay be depressed in time to music based on instructions on a video game.As a player gets more proficient at the game, however, the player doesnot learn how to use or handle a real musical instrument.

Further, the fake instrument does not play actual music but may provideone or more signals based on the buttons that are pressed. These signalsare received by the game console to determine if the correct button waspressed at the right time. Music is not played by the fake instrumentand music (or a music signal) is not received by the game console.Although the game console may play music during the game, the music istypically prerecorded and does not generally stem from the fakeinstrument, but rather may be caused when the player hits one or morebuttons on the fake instrument.

Further, games that allow a user to interact and play with the fakeinstrument in time to music do not instruct the user how to improvetechnique, instrument handling, chords, or the like. Rather, the gamestypically test the user's ability to hit buttons in time withprerecorded music. As a result, a proficient game player will not beable to take a real musical instrument decoupled from the game and playmusic (e.g., as a solo, at a concert, or as a part of an actual band).

SUMMARY

In various embodiments, one or more real musical instruments may be usedto interact with a program (e.g., a game or learning application) on adigital device such as a game console. A method may comprise receiving amusic signal from a port of a real musical instrument, formatting themusic signal for transmission to a digital device, wherein the formattedmusic signal comprises an instrument identifier, and wirelesslytransmitting the formatted music signal.

The method may further comprise receiving an instrument selection. Theformat of the music signal may be based, at least in part, on theinstrument selection. Further, the instrument selection may be receivedfrom a keypad.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise receiving a formatselection and wherein the format of the music signal is based, at leastin part, on the format selection. Receiving the music signal, formattingthe music signal, and transmitting the formatted music signal may beperformed by an instrument interface.

The method may further comprise receiving an activation command andactivating an instrument interface. The method may also further comprisecharging a battery and receiving power from the battery to power aninstrument interface to receive the music signal, format the musicsignal, and transmit the formatted music signal. Transmitting theformatted wireless signal may occur via wireless USB.

In various embodiments, a system comprises an instrument module, asignal processing module, and an antenna. The instrument module may beconfigured to receive a music signal from a port of a real musicalinstrument. The signal processing module may be configured to format themusic signal for transmission to a digital device, wherein the formattedmusic signal comprises an instrument identifier. The antenna may beconfigured to wirelessly transmit the formatted music signal.

An exemplary computer readable medium may comprise executableinstructions. The instructions may be executable by a processor toperform a method. The method may comprise receiving a music signal froma port of a real musical instrument, formatting the music signal fortransmission to a digital device, wherein the formatted music signalcomprises an instrument identifier, and wirelessly transmitting theformatted music signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment of multiple instrumentswirelessly coupled to a game console.

FIG. 2 is a general block diagram of an instrument interface in anembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a general block diagram of an instrument interface in anotherembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a technical block diagram of an instrument interface in anembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a technical block diagram of an instrument interface inanother embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a module diagram of an instrument interface in an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary method for wireless connectivity between aninstrument interface and a digital device.

FIG. 8 a depicts a front and right side view of the instrument interfacein an embodiment.

FIG. 8 b depicts a back side view of the instrument interface in anembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a general block diagram of a game console in an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary digital device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments, an instrument player may play a real musicalinstrument and interact with an executable program (e.g., anapplication) such as a learning environment or game via a digital devicesuch as a game console. The real instrument may be any real musicalinstrument that may be detached from the digital device and used to playmusic (e.g., with a band, at a concert, or practice). In someembodiments, the real instrument is not modified or adapted to interactwith the learning environment or game. Rather, in some embodiments, thereal instrument is coupled with an instrument interface using a standardcable (e.g., an audio cable configured to attach to the real instrumentand the instrument interface). In one example, a microphone (i.e., apickup) may be placed within a real instrument (e.g., guitar or piano).The microphone provides signals to a port. The instrument interface maybe coupled to the port on the real instrument over a standard cable or acable with at least one standard end.

The instrument interface may receive the signal from the realinstrument. The instrument interface may then provide the signal to thedigital device (e.g., game console). In some embodiments, the instrumentinterface provides the signal wirelessly via an antenna. The instrumentinterface may alter, covert, update, modify, format, encode, and/orformat the signal. In one example, the instrument interface may convertan analog signal received from the real instrument to transmit to thedigital device. The instrument interface may also associate aninstrument identifier with the signal and/or transmit the signal over aspecific channel.

The digital device may then receive the signal from the instrumentinterface and allow the user to interact with the learning environmentand/or a game (e.g., a program on the digital device). In someembodiments, the digital device executes a program that is aneducational and recreational tool that may take users through an entiremusical process from learning and practicing, through recording andsharing. The program may include features that support users of allskill levels, from the beginning musician to the accomplished artist.

As the user interacts with the program, the user may learn how to playthe real instrument. In one example, the user may receive instruction onhow to play the real instrument, be able to play along with songs,receive criticism, see areas of improvements, be tested, receiveinstruction on areas to be improved, track proficiency of playing,and/or the like

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment 100 of multiple realinstruments 104 a and 104 b wirelessly coupled to a game console 108.The exemplary environment 100 comprises a real instrument 104 a coupledto an instrument interface 106 a and a real instrument 104 b coupled toan instrument interface 106 b. The real instrument 104 a and realinstrument 104 b are wirelessly coupled to a game console 108 via theinstrument interface 106 a and instrument interface 106 b, respectively.The game console 108 is further coupled to a display 110. In FIG. 1, aninstrument player 102 a may play the real instrument 104 a and aninstrument player 102 b may play the real instrument 104 b. Theinstrument players 102 a and 102 b may be any user who interacts with aprogram on the game console 108 with the real instrument.

The real instruments 104 a and 104 b may comprise any real musicalinstrument. A real musical instrument is any instrument that may bedecoupled from the instrument interface 106 a and 106 b, respectively,decoupled from the game console 108, and used to play music (e.g., in aband, at a concert, or as a solo). The definition of music may differbased on geography, culture, ethnicity, genre, time period, etc. In someembodiments, the real instrument 104 a may be an electric guitar,acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano, keyboard, or any musicalinstrument. Although FIG. 1 depicts real instrument 104 a and realinstrument 104 b as the same instrument, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the two instruments may be different (e.g., realinstrument 104 a may be a keyboard and real instrument 104 b may be bassguitar). Further, although only two instruments are depicted in FIG. 1,there may be any number of real instruments in various embodiments. Inanother example, a single instrument player 102 a may play with a realinstrument 104 a without another player or other real instrument 104 b.

The instrument interfaces 106 a and 106 b are devices that couple to thereal instruments 104 a and 104 b, respectively, and communicate with thegame console 108. In various embodiments, the instrument interface 106 aallows the real instrument 104 a to transmit signals to the game console108. In one example, the instrument interface 106 a may be coupled to aport of the real instrument 104 a. The instrument interface 106 a maythen receive signals from the real instrument 104 a via the port. Theinstrument interface 106 a may then provide the signal to the gameconsole 108.

Although the instrument interfaces 106 a and 106 b depict a wirelessconnection with the game console 108, those skilled in the art willappreciate that the connection may be either by wire or wireless. Inother embodiments, different instrument interfaces may provide signalsto the game console in different ways. For example, the instrumentinterface 104 a may be wirelessly coupled with the game console 108while the instrument interface 106 b may be coupled to the game consolevia a wire (e.g., Ethernet or USB cable).

Although the instrument interface 106 a is often discussed herein forpracticality, those skilled in the art will appreciate that wheninstrument interface 106 a is referred in some embodiments, anyinstrument interface (e.g., instrument interface 106 b) may performsimilar or the same functions.

In some embodiments, the instrument interface 106 a transmits to thegame console 108 which comprises a multi-input wireless hardwarereceiver that supports multiple real instruments simultaneously. Thegame console 108 may operate with an integrated API/softwareencoding/encoding function to pair the game console 108 or CPU of thegame console 108 and identify discrete data channels transmitted fromthe instrument interface 106 a which may enable discrete control of eachaudio source arriving at the game console 108.

The game console 108 is any digital device configured to receive signalsfrom the instrument interface 106 a and/or instrument interface 106 b.The game console 108, for example, may comprise any digital deviceincluding, but not limited to, a Microsoft Xbox™ (e.g., Xbox 360), aSony Playstation™ (e.g., Playstation 3), or Nintendo Wii™. The gameconsole 108 may also comprise a computer such as an Apple Macintoshcomputer, personal computer, notebook, netbook, media tablet, smartphone, or the like.

Although FIG. 1 depicts the game console 108 coupled to a display 110,the game console 108 may comprise the display 110 or, in anotherembodiment, the display 110 may comprise the game console 108. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the display 110 may comprise aprocessor and functionality that is configured to function as a gameconsole (e.g., game console 108).

In some embodiments, the game console 108 is configured with a networkadaptor or other hardware that is configured to receive wireless signalsvia the instrument interface 106 a. In other embodiments, the gameconsole 108 may comprise an internal antenna configured to receivewireless signals via the instrument interface 106 a such that a networkadaptor is unnecessary. Further, the game console 108 may be configuredto be connected via a wire to the instrument interface 106 a.

The game console 108 may perform many functions. For example, the gameconsole 108 may be configured to receive the wireless signal, route toan assigned channel, apply any attributes, synchronize with anysequential files, merge input data with an audio file stream (e.g., withall or some of a prerecorded song) and either store or output a mergedaudio stream.

The display 110 may comprise any display such as a television orcomputer screen. In some embodiments the display 110 is a flat paneldisplay such as an LCD or plasma display. The display 110 may comprise arear or forward projection display. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the display 110 is any device that is configured todisplay images such as pictures, animation, broadcast television, and/orthe like.

FIG. 2 is a general block diagram of an instrument interface 106 a in anembodiment. The instrument interface 106 a may comprise a mini USB port202, a battery charge circuit 204, a battery and regulation module 206,an EEPROM 208, instructions 210, supporting circuitry 212, an analoginput port 214, an ADC module 216, a wireless chip 218, and an onboardantenna 220.

The mini USB port 202 is any port that may be used to couple theinstrument interface 106 a with a real instrument 104 a or digitaldevice (e.g., game console 108). Although the port is described as amini USB port, the mini USB port 202 may comprise any kind of port forany kind of wired topology including, but not limited to, USB, firewire,Ethernet, serial, or parallel. In another example, the mini USB port 202may not be a mini USB port, but may comprise any connector for USBincluding but not limited to standard type A, standard type B, mini A,mini B, micro AB, and micro B. Further, although FIG. 2 depicts a singleport, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be anynumber of ports including a combination of different types of ports.

The battery charge circuit 204 is any circuit that is configured tocharge a battery and/or power the instrument interface 106 a. In oneexample, the battery charge circuit may charge a battery with powerretrieved from the mini USB port 202. In some embodiments, the batterycharge circuit 204 may comprise a separate port that receives power froma digital device (not depicted) or other power sources (e.g., from awall outlet and/or a power adaptor). The battery charge circuit 204 mayalso be configured to step up, step down, or otherwise adapt receivedpower such that the power is suitable to power the instrument interface106 a directly and/or charge the battery. For example, the batterycharge circuit may be configured to adapt power received from a countrywith different power standards or other sources such that the power maybe used to charge the battery.

The battery and regulation module 206 is configured to power theinstrument interface 106 a. In some embodiments, the battery andregulation module 206 comprises a battery including, but not limited to,a lithium (e.g., coin), alkaline, lithium ion, or nickel metal hydridebattery. In various embodiments, the battery and regulation module 206may comprise a capacitor or any device configured to store energy topower the instrument interface 106 a. The battery and regulation module206 may also be configured to regulate the power and power theinstrument interface 106 a. In one example, the battery and regulationmodule 206 is configured to step up power stored in a battery to powerthe instrument interface 106 a. The battery and regulation module 206may also function as a surge protector and/or an EMI/RFI filter.

The EEPROM 208 may comprise Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-OnlyMemory (i.e., EEPROM) or any kind of nonvolatile memory (e.g., EPROM,PROM, ROM, flash, or hard drive). Instructions 210 may be loaded intothe EEPROM 208. The instructions 210 may configure the instrumentinterface 106 a to receive one or more signals from the real instrument104 a, process the signal(s), and provide the signal(s) to the gameconsole 108 (e.g., via the onboard antenna 220 and/or the mini USB port202). In some embodiments, the instructions 210 configure the instrumentinterface 106 a to associate an instrument identifier with the realinstrument 104 a, one or more signals received from the analog inputport 214, and/or one or more signals provided to the game console 108.The instructions 210 may also allow the selection of a channel toprovide signals to the game console 108.

The supporting circuitry 212 may be any circuitry that processes thesignal(s) received via the analog input port 214. In some embodiments,the supporting circuitry 212 may control the ADC module and/or thewireless chip 218. In various embodiments, the supporting circuitry 212is configured by the instructions 210 to associate the instrumentidentifier with the real instrument 104 a, one or more signals receivedfrom the analog input port 214, and/or one or more signals provided tothe game console 108.

The analog input port 214 is any port that is configured to be coupledwith the real instrument 104 a. In some embodiments, the analog inputport 214 is configured to receive an analog jack via a cable coupled tothe real instrument 104 a. In various embodiments, the analog input port214 may receive an analog signal from the real instrument 104 a andprovide the signal to the ADC module 216. In one example, the analoginput port 214 may be configured to receive a ¼″ jack. In variousembodiments, the analog input port 214 may receive a MIDI or otherdigital signal from the real instrument and provide the signal directlyto the wireless chip 218.

The ADC module 216 may comprise an analog to digital converterconfigured to convert an analog signal received from the real instrument104 a via the analog input port 214 to a digital signal. The signal mayalso be processed by the supporting circuitry 212 to modify the signal(e.g., equalize, amplify, attenuate noise, and/or enhance sound quality)or adapt the signal (e.g., associate the digital signal with aninstrument identifier, format the signal, or place the digital signalinto a condition that may be received by the wireless chip, or preparethe signal to be provided via a channel). In one example, the ADC module216 may sample 16 bit audio at a 44 KHz sampling rate.

The wireless chip 218 is any hardware or software that is configured toprocess the digital signal received from the ADC module 216 and preparethe signal to be transmitted via the onboard antenna 220. In someembodiments, the wireless chip 218 may be configured by the instructions210 and/or the supporting circuitry 212 to adapt the digital signal sothat it is suitable for one or more different game consoles 108, realinstruments, or different antenna. In one example, the instrument player102 a may configure the EEPROM 208 to identify the game console 108 asan XBOX 360 and/or identify the real instrument 104 a (e.g., as anacoustic guitar). The EEPROM 208 may configure to the supportingcircuitry 212, the ADC module 216, and/or the wireless chip 218 toprocess signals received from the real instrument 104 a appropriately(e.g., process the signals such that they may be understood by the gameconsole 108, identify the real instrument 104 a, and/or associate thesignal with an instrument identifier that may be understood by the gameconsole 108). The wireless chip 218 may provide data to be transmittedin one or more channels that are transmitted by the onboard antenna 220.

The onboard antenna 220 is any antenna configured to provide a signal tothe game console 108 and/or any digital device. In some embodiments, theonboard antenna 220 is any antenna that is contained within theinstrument interface 106 a. In various embodiments, the instrumentinterface 106 a may comprise a port which may be used to couple theinstrument interface 106 a to an external antenna. In other embodiments,the instrument interface 106 a may not comprise or be coupled to anantenna and, rather, may be coupled to the game console 108 via a cable.

Although the instrument interface 106 a is depicted as comprising anonboard antenna 220, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, insome embodiments, the instrument interface 106 a may be coupled to anyantenna. In some embodiments, the instrument interface 106 a may becoupled with a network adaptor that comprises an antenna. In oneexample, the mini USB port 202 may be coupled to a USB antenna that isconfigured to provide signals to the game console 108. In variousembodiments, the instrument interface 106 a may both receive and providesignals with the game console 108, one or more real instruments, and/orone or more other instrument interfaces.

Although the instrument interface 106 a is depicted as comprising theanalog input port 214, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theinstrument interface 106 a may be coupled with the real instrument 104 ain any number of ways including different cables and/or wirelessly. Insome embodiments, the onboard antenna 220 may be used to communicatewith the real instrument 104 a as well as the game console 108. Further,in some embodiments, the input port may be a digital input portconfigured to receive a digital signal from the real instrument 104 a.

In some embodiments, the instrument interface 106 a does not associate adigital identifier but rather provides signals in a different channelthan that of other instrument interfaces. In one example, the user mayinput a channel selection manually via an interface on the instrumentinterface 106 a or select a channel via the program on the game console108. In another example, the user may input a channel selection into theinstrument interface 106 a over a USB cable with a digital device. Insome embodiments, the instrument interface 106 a may automatically trydifferent channels until one is found that is unused or uponconfirmation that the channel is assigned by the game console 108. Onceeach instrument interface 106 a provides signals in a different channel,the game console 108 may separate the signals and process the music andinput from the different instrument interfaces separately. As a result,multiple users with multiple real instruments may interact with eachother and the program on the game console 108. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that there are many ways in which users may providetheir signals so as to interact with each other, the real instruments,and the program on the game console 108.

FIG. 3 is a general block diagram of an instrument interface 106 a inanother embodiment. The instrument interface 106 a comprises an audiocodec 302 as well as a keypad 312 and a power module 320. The audiocodec 302 comprises an audio connection 304 and a general purposeinput/output connection (GPIO) 306. The audio codec 302 may comprise anycodec that is configured to receive signals from the real instrument 104a and provide the signal to the game console 108 (see FIG. 1). In someembodiments, the audio codec 302 comprises any integrated chipconfigured to process audio signals.

The audio connector 304 may comprise a line out port 308 and a line inport 310. The line in port 310 may be configured to receive a cable fromreal instrument 104 a or any real musical instrument. The audio codec302 may receive a signal from the real instrument 104 a via the line inport 310. In various embodiments, the real instrument 104 a may use anystandard cable used with the real instrument 104 a to couple with theline in port 310.

The line out port 308 is any port that is configured to receive a signalfrom the audio codec 302. In some embodiments, the line out port 308 maybe configured to output an analog signal from the real instrument 310without processing by the audio codec 302 (e.g., which may, in turn, bereceived by an amplifier, speaker, or other device). In otherembodiments, the line out port 308 may output a digital signal after ananalog signal received by the line in port 310 is converted via an ADC.In some embodiments, the audio connector 304 may only comprise a line inport 310.

In various embodiments, the user may output a mixed signal from theinstrument interface 106 a through the line out port 308. In oneexample, the instrument interface 106 a may provide a signal from thereal instrument 104 a to the game console 108. The game console 108 maymix a song with the signal from the user (e.g., by removing a track fromthe song and combining the remaining tracks of the song with the user'splaying of the real instrument 104 a) and provide the mixed result backto the instrument interface (e.g., via the wireless antenna 316). Theinstrument interface 106 a may output the mixed result via the line outport 308. The user may couple any device to the line out port 308 toreceive the mixed result (e.g., speakers, headphones, amplifier, orother devices). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the lineout port 308 may be configured to output the sound from the realinstrument 104 a, a song from the game console 108, audio from the gameconsole 108, or any other signal.

The GPIO 306 is any port configured to be coupled with a keypad or otherinterface. In one example, the GPIO 306 is coupled with keypad 312.Although GPIO 306 is identified as a GPIO interface, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that any interface configured to be coupled(either with a wire or wirelessly) with a user input device (e.g., akeyboard, keypad, game controller, joystick, or mouse).

Keypad 312 is any keypad configured to receive user input. In oneexample, the keypad 312 may be able to detect user input indicating adirection (e.g., up, down, left, and/or right) and an enter function.The keypad 312 may comprise, for example, keys (e.g., buttons), ajoystick, switches, a touchscreen, or any combination of key, joystick,switch, and/or touchscreen. A keypad on an instrument interface 106 insome embodiments is depicted in FIG. 8 a.

The audio codec 302 may be coupled with a mini USB connector/USBconnector 314. In various embodiments, the audio codec 302 comprises aport (e.g., mini USB port 202) configured to receive the mini USBconnector/USB connector 314. In various embodiments, the mini USBconnector/USB connector 314 may be a cable coupled with a gamecontroller, digital device, game controller 108, or display 110. In someembodiments, the mini USB connector/USB connector 314 comprises awireless adaptor (comprising the wireless antenna 316) with a USBconnector. As discussed previously, the mini USB connector/USB connector314 is not limited to USB and may be any connector. In some embodiments,the instrument interface 106 a does not comprise a USB port and may notbe configured to be coupled to the mini USB connector/USB connector 314.

Wireless antenna 316 is any wireless antenna configured to provideand/or receive signals between the instrument interface 106 a and a gamecontroller 108, display 110, and/or another instrument interface 106 a.In some embodiments, the wireless antenna 316 is external to theinstrument interface 106 a. For example, the wireless antenna 316 may becoupled to the instrument interface 106 a via the mini USB connector/USBconnector 314. In other embodiments, the instrument interface 106 a maybe configured to only connect to a game controller 108, display 110,and/or another instrument interface 106 a via a wire.

The instrument interface may also comprise an optional LED indicator318. The LED indicator 318 may be configured to display a light toindicate that the instrument interface 106 a is active (e.g., turnedon). The LED indicator 318 may also indicate when the instrumentinterface 106 a is functioning, when the instrument interface 106 a ischarged, or in need of being charged. The LED indicator 318 may alsoindicate when the instrument interface 106 a is being configured or ifan error has occurred. In some examples, different lights, colors, orblinking may indicate different functions (e.g., blinking when theinstrument interface 106 a may need to be charged or an error hasoccurred). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the LEDindicator 318 is not limited to an LED but may be any visual indicatorincluding a display screen and/or may be any kind of light. In someembodiments, the instrument interface 106 a may comprise a speaker tomake sounds in addition to or in place of the LED indicator 318.

The instrument interface 106 a also comprises a power module 320. Thepower module 320 is configured to power the instrument interface 106 a.In various embodiments, the power module 320 comprises a power supply322, a charger 324, and a battery 326. The power supply 322 providespower to the various components of the instrument interface 106 a. Invarious embodiments, the power supply 322 steps up or down the voltagereceived from the charger 324 and/or from the battery 326. The charger324 is any charger (e.g., AC adaptor) that is configured to receivepower and provide the power to the power module 320. In someembodiments, the charger 324 receives power via the mini USB conn/USBconn 314 (e.g., from a digital device such as the game console 108). Invarious embodiments, the charger 326 may condition the power to bereceived by the power module 320 and provide surge protection and/orfiltration.

The battery 326 may be any kind of battery configured to store power forlater use by the instrument interface 106 a. In one example, the batterymay be at 3.7 volts and be able to provide 2 milliamps of current perhour. The power module 320, power supply 322, charger 324, and battery326 are further described previously in the discussion regarding thebattery and regulation module 206 of FIG. 2.

The on/off button 328 is configured to activate or deactivate theinstrument interface 106 a. In one example, the instrument player 102 amay switch the on/off button 328 to activate or deactivate theinstrument interface 106 a. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the instrument interface 106 a may be activated or deactivated inany number of ways including manually or automatically. In someexamples, the instrument interface 106 a may be activated by theinstrument player 102 a manually by a switch, button, slider, or anyinterface. The instrument interface 106 a may also be activated ordeactivated automatically. In one example, the instrument interface 106a may be configured to activate when coupled with a real instrument 104a. The instrument interface 106 a may also always be active as long asthere is power (e.g., the battery 326 maintains a charge).

The debug module 330 is a module configured to debug the instrumentinterface 106 a. In one example, the debug module 330 is configured todebug the audio codec 302. The debug module 330 may be used at thefactory during the manufacture of the instrument interface 106 a as apart of quality assurance and/or may be used to correct defective units.

In various embodiments, the instrument interface 106 a may be configuredto wirelessly communicate via wireless USB, Bluetooth, or any number ofwireless standards (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n, WiMax, LTE, or WiFi). In someembodiments, the instrument interface 106 a may be configured tocommunicate via wireless USB and the instrument interface 106 a isfurther modified to receive and convert the signal from another standard(e.g., Bluetooth). In one example, the instrument interface 106 a maycomprise an antenna or be coupled to an antenna capable of receiving aBluetooth signal and converting the signal into a format that may beunderstood by the instrument interface 106 a. Similarly, the instrumentinterface 106 a may provide a signal in one standard (e.g., wirelessUSB) which may then be converted to a standard that may be received bythe game console 108.

The instrument interface 106 a may be configured to adjust a latency inorder to compensate for timing issues created between varying distancesbetween the instrument interface 106 a and the game console 108. In someembodiments, the instrument interface 106 a is configured to allow auser (e.g., the instrument player 102 a) the option to adjust a latencyparameter that alters signal latency. The instrument interface 106 a mayalso be configured to determine signal latency automatically throughcommunication with the game console 108. Further, the game console 108may be configured to determine latency based on the communication withthe instrument interface 106 a and transmit commands to the instrumentinterface 106 a to increase or decrease the latency parameter. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that there are many ways in which alatency parameter and/or signal latency between the instrument interface106 a and the game console 108 may be controlled.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be more or lesscomponents of the instrument interface 106 a than that depicted in FIG.3. FIGS. 4 and 5 are further embodiments of the instrument interface 106a with more detail than FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a technical block diagram of an instrument interface 106 a inan embodiment. In various embodiments, the audio codec 302 described inFIG. 3 may comprise a UAC355xb 402. The UAC355xb 402 is a Micronas USBaudio IC. UAC355xb 402 may comprise a high-performance stereo audioADC/DAC, digital serial interfaces, and an additional DAC channel forthe subwoofer signal. The UAC355xb 402 may offer a programmable 5-bandparametric equalizer for correcting the frequency response of theapplied speaker plus adjustable dynamic low-frequency processing for thesubwoofer channel. Sampling rates for USB record and playback may behandled independently.

The UAC355xb 402 may comprise a USB interface 404, a digital to analogconverter (DAC) 406, and an ADC 408 in communication with a digitalsignal processor (DSP). The UAC355xb 402 may also provide forprogrammable gain as well as a ROM. The USB interface 404 may compriseany interface that may be coupled with a device external to theinstrument interface 106 a. In one example, a USB device 430 comprisingan antenna USB module 432 (e.g., wireless network adaptor) may becoupled with the USB interface 404.

The EEPROM 412 is any nonvolatile memory (e.g., computer readablemedium) that may be used to program the UAC355xb 402. In some examples,the EEPROM 412 may comprise instructions to program the UAC355xb 402 toprocess signals received by the line in port 426 (e.g., program gain),program a ROM or RAM in the UAC355xb 402, and/or control a DSP in theUAC355xb 402. In some embodiments, the EEPROM 412 may communicate withthe UAC355xb 402 via an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I²C) bus. The I²C is amulti-master serial computer bus. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the EEPROM 412 may communicate with the UAC355xb 402 viaany interface and is not limited to an I²C bus.

The DAC 406 may be coupled to a line out port 414 which may beconfigured to couple the UAC355xb 402 to a headphone, amplifier, and/orsubwoofer. In some embodiments, the line out port 414 may comprisemultiple ports including an out port for a left speaker, a rightspeaker, and a subwoofer. Those skilled the art will appreciate thatthere may be any number of line out ports.

The line in port 416 is a port to receive a signal (e.g., from a realinstrument 104 a). In some embodiments, the UAC355xb 402 may comprise aprogrammable gain to be applied to signals received via the line in 416before being received by the ADC 408. The line in port 416 may compriseany number of ports. In one example, the line in port 416 may include aport for a left signal, a right signal, and a mic.

The UAC355xb 402 may also comprise a GPIO 410 that may be coupled with akeypad 418. The keypad 418, in some embodiments, comprises a left button420, top button 422, bottom button 424, and a right button 426 as wellas an enter button 428. In various embodiments, the keypad 418 maycomprise a joystick which may be pushed left, top, bottom, or right toinput similar functions as the buttons into the instrument interface 106a. Further, the joystick may be compressed to enter an “enter” command.The keypad 418 may comprise any input/output interface and may becontrolled by the instrument player 102 a.

The instrument interface 106 a may also comprise a power LED 450configured to display a light when the instrument interface 106 a isactivated and/or charged.

In various embodiments, the UAC355xb 402 may be coupled with the USBdevice 430 via the USB interface 404. The USB device 430 may comprise awireless adaptor (e.g., the antenna USB module 432). Although thewireless adaptor is depicted as an antenna USB module (e.g., with aWisair chip), the wireless adaptor may comprise any antenna. In someembodiments, the wireless adaptor may be internal to the instrumentinterface 106 a. The USB device 430 may also comprise a MINI USBconnector 434 that may receive power (e.g., +5 volts) from a digitaldevice such as a game console 108 or display 110 (see FIG. 1). Invarious embodiments, the USB interface 404 may be coupled with thedigital device to charge a battery (e.g., battery 442).

The instrument interface 106 a may comprise a power module 436 which maycomprise a buck/boost power supply 438, a charger 440, and a battery442. Similar to the power module 320 discussed herein with respect toFIG. 3, the buck/boost power supply 438 may provide power from thecharger 440 and/or the battery 442 to power the instrument interface 106a. In some embodiments, the buck/boost power supply 438 may step up thepower received from the battery to charge the instrument interface 106a. In one example, the battery may provide 3.7 volts and the buck/boostpower supply 438 may step up the voltage to +5 volts.

The charger 440 may receive power via the USB interface 404, a poweradaptor, or other power source. The battery 442 may be any storagecapable of storing energy to power the instrument interface 106 a. Inone example, the battery 442 may provide 3.7 volts and 2 mAh. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the battery 442 may provide anyvoltage at any current.

The debug module 444 may comprise a universal asynchronousreceiver/transmitter (UART) port 446 and a Joint Test Action Group(JTAG) port 448. The debug module 444 may be used to debug theinstrument interface 106 a during manufacture or to determine an erroror other problem. The UART port 446 may translate data between paralleland serial forms and, as depicted in FIG. 4, may be used to communicatewith the UAC355xb 402 via an RS232 interface. The JTAG port 448 is anIEEE 1149.1 standard entitled Standard Test Access Port andBoundary-Scan Architecture for test access ports used for testingprinted circuit boards using boundary scan. JTAG may be used as an ICdebug or probing port. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thedebug module 444 may use any number of ports and/or interfaces to debugthe UAC355xb 402 and is not limited to those depicted in FIG. 4.

The instrument interface 106 a may also comprise an on/off button 452.As discussed herein, the instrument interface 106 a may comprise more orless components performing similar functionality.

FIG. 5 is a technical block diagram of an instrument interface 106 a inanother embodiment. Instrument interface 106 a may comprise an embeddedmicroprocessor (embedded uP) 502. The embedded uP 502 may comprise anyprocessor configured to receive signals from a real instrument 104 a andprovide the signals to the game console 108 or other digital device. Insome examples, the embedded uP 502 may be an extensible processor (e.g.,configurable) and/or an audio codec.

The embedded uP 502 may comprise RAM 504, Flash 506, debug port 508, aUSB host 510, an I²C bus 512, a USB device port 514, a DAC 520, an ADC522, and a GPIO 524. The RAM 504 may comprise any volatile memory. Theflash 506 may comprise any nonvolatile memory (e.g., NAND or NOR flashmemory). The RAM 504 and the flash 506 are computer readable media thatmay store instructions to configure a processor of the embedded uP 502to perform a method (e.g., the method described in FIG. 7). In variousembodiments, the embedded uP 502 may comprise only a single type ofmemory or many types of memory and not be limited to that depicted inFIG. 5.

The debug port 508 may be coupled with a debug module 558 that comprisesa UART port 560 and/or a JTAG port 562. The USB host port 510 may becoupled with a USB device 516 such as a USB device 516 comprising anantenna USB module 518 for wireless communication between the instrumentinterface 106 a and a digital device such as a game console 108 and/ordisplay 110. In some embodiments, the USB host port 510 may not existand the antenna USB module 518 may be internal to the instrumentinterface 106 a. In some embodiments, a signal is receive from a realinstrument 104 a via the line in port 528 further described herein. Theembedded uP 502 may process the signal and provide the signal to thegame console 108 (or other digital device) via the antenna USB module518.

The EEPROM 546 may be coupled with the embedded uP 502 via the PC bus512. The EEPROM 546 may be used to program the embedded uP 502 and/orone or more components of the embedded uP 502.

The USB device port 514 may be coupled to any digital device via a USBcable and may receive power via a mini USB connection 526. In oneexample, the mini USB connection 526 may provide +5 volts of power tothe instrument interface 106 a (e.g., via the power module 548). In someembodiments, the instrument interface 106 a may be charged byperiodically coupling the USB device port 514 with a digital devicewhich charges a battery (e.g., the battery 554). The instrumentinterface 106 a may also be charged by a charger 552 such as a poweradaptor.

The DAC 520 may be coupled to the line out port 528 to provide a signalreceived from the real instrument 104 a to an external device (e.g., aspeaker, amplifier, or subwoofer). In some embodiments, the embedded uP502 may provide the analog signal received by the real instrument 104 adirectly to the line out port 528 without processing. In variousembodiments, the embedded uP 502 receives an analog signal from the realinstrument 104 a, provides gain, converts the analog signal to digital,performs further processing, converts the signal back to analog with theDAC 520 and then provides the signal to the line out port 528.

The ADC 522 may be coupled to the line in port 530 to receive a signalfrom the real instrument 104 a. In some embodiments, the signal receivedby the line in port 530 may already be digital and the ADC 522 is notused or is optional. In various embodiments, a programmable gain isapplied to the analog signal received over the line in port 530 prior toconversion to a digital signal.

The GPIO 524 may be coupled with a keypad 532 which is configured toprovide signals associated with a left button 534, a right button 536, atop button 538, and a bottom button 540. There may also be a separateenter button 542. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that theinput from the instrument player 102 a is not limited to that depictedin FIG. 5 and that any sort of input from the instrument player 102 amay be received by the GPIO 524.

The power LED 544 may indicate when the instrument interface 106 isactive and/or charged. The power module 548 may comprise a power supply550, the charger 552 and a battery 554 configured to power theinstrument interface 106 a, provide surge protection, and/or filter thepower received from a power source (e.g., received via the mini USBconnection 526 and/or the charger 552).

The optional on/off button 556 allows the instrument player 102 a toactivate or deactivate the instrument interface 106 a. In variousembodiments, there is no on/off button 556 but rather various keys orbuttons on the keypad may be depressed or otherwise activated toactivate or deactivate the power of the instrument interface 106 a.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may by any number ofcircuits or modules performing similar functionality and still be withinvarious embodiments as discussed herein.

FIG. 6 is a box diagram of an instrument interface 106 a in anotherembodiment. The instrument interface 106 a comprises an instrumentmodule 602, a signal processing module 604, a wireless communicationmodule 606, a user interface module 608, a digital device interfacemodule 610, and a power module 612.

The instrument module 602 is configured to receive a signal from a realinstrument 104 a. The signal may be received either via a wire orwirelessly (e.g., over an antenna). In some embodiments, the instrumentmodule 602 may amplify the signal and/or convert the signal receivedfrom the real instrument 104 a from analog to a digital signal. Invarious embodiments, the instrument module 602 may apply a gain that isprogrammable. The gain applied by the instrument module 602 may becontrolled by instructions contained within an EEPROM. In some examples,the gain may be programmed based on the type of instrument that providesthe signal, the quality of the signal received, the type of digitaldevice that is to receive the signal, the requirements of a game, or anynumber of other factors. In some examples, the instrument module 602comprises a line in port and an ADC.

The signal processing module 604 processes the signal received from theinstrument module 602. In some embodiments, the signal processing module604 may comprise a DSP which may be configured by instructions (e.g.,instructions within the EEPROM). The signal processing module 604 mayformat the signal to prepare the signal for transmission to a digitaldevice. In some embodiments, the signal processing module 604 mayequalize the signal, provide gain, filter, or shape the signal. In someexamples, the signal processing module may comprise an audio codec, anembedded microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or the like.

Further, the signal processing module 604 may control transmission ofsignal to the digital device. In some embodiments, the signal processingmodule 604 monitors the communication between the wireless communicationmodule 606 and the instrument interface 106 a. The signal processingmodule 604 may shape the channel, select a different wireless channel tocommunicate with the digital device, shape traffic on the channel,prioritize data from the signal, perform error correction, and encodethe data from the signal to prepare for transmission.

In various embodiments, the signal processing module 604 associates aninstrument identifier with the signal, the real instrument 104 a, and/orthe instrument interface 106 a. In one example, each instrumentinterface 106 a may be associated with a unique instrument identifierthat is associated with data from the signal and provided to thereceiving digital device (e.g., game console 108). The receiving digitaldevice may receive data from multiple instrument interfaces and separatethe signals based on the instrument identifier to allow for multiplereal instruments to interact with the digital device. In one example, aplurality of real instruments may compete in a game or perform in avirtual concert. The signals may be provided from the real instrumentsto the game console 108 via respective instrument interfaces. The gameconsole 108 may receive the signals and organize the data based, atleast in part, on the instrument identifier thereby allowing multiplereal instruments to be recognized by the game console 108. As such, agame or virtual learning environment may allow multiple instrumentplayers to play multiple real instruments together to teach each other,compete, play a game, record, and/or play music.

In some embodiments, each instrument interface 106 a comprises a singleinstrument identifier that is encoded with data from the signal of thereal instrument 104 a. In other embodiments, the digital device (e.g.,software on the game console) may communicate with one or moreinstrument interfaces and assign respective instrument identifiers. Forexample, each instrument interface 106 a may communicate with the gameconsole 108 and receive a separate and distinct instrument identifier.The game console 108 may assign instrument identifiers dynamically orfrom a static set of identifiers. The instrument identifiers may beunique across all game consoles 108 or they comprise a similar or sameset of instrument identifiers per game console 108. In some embodiments,the game console 108 assigns an instrument identifier every time theprogram (e.g., learning environment) is initiated.

A plurality of instrument interface 106 a may also communicate with eachother to select an instrument identifier from a set of identifiers orgenerate an instrument identifier. In one example, the wirelesscommunication module 606 may communicate between instrument interfacesto identify the number of instrument interfaces and confirm that thesame instrument identifiers are not being used concurrently.

In some embodiments, each instrument interface 106 a is associated withat least one instrument identifier. In one example, a unique digitalidentifier may be embedded within each instrument interface 106 a. Invarious embodiments, the game controller 108 authenticates theinstrument identifier which may allow the game controller 108 to pairwith instrument interface associated with the instrument identifier.Based on the instrument identifier, the game controller 108 may alsocorrelate signals from the associated instrument interface 106 a to apre-identified track of prerecorded music.

Multiple instrument interfaces may each have an associated instrumentidentifier which may be used to pair simultaneously (or nearsimultaneously) with the game controller 108 (e.g., via a single pointof reception or intermediate multichannel wireless receiver). In oneexample, the game console 108 comprises an intermediate multi-channelwireless receiver and software with an integrated API/softwareencoding/decoding function. The receiver and the integrated API/softwareencoding/decoding function may identify discrete data channelstransmitted simultaneously from multiple interface devices and pairmultiple instrument interfaces with the game console 108.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many ways inwhich an instrument identifier may be determined and/or generated.Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are manyways in which signals may be associated with instrument identifiers suchthat a digital device will be able to separate received signals to allowmultiple real instruments to interact.

The wireless communication module 606 may comprise any wireless antennaconfigured to provide data (e.g., data from the real instrument 104 a)to a digital device (e.g., game console 108, display 110, or one or moreother instrument interfaces 106 b). In some examples, the wirelesscommunication module 606 may encode, perform error correction, buffer,and/or associate the instrument identifier with data transmitted orreceived. The wireless communication module 606 may be, for example, anonboard antenna or an external antenna (e.g., the antenna USB module518).

The user interface module 608 is configured to receive input from a user(e.g., instrument player 102 a). In some embodiments, the user interfacemodule 608 comprises a joystick, keypad, display, touchpad, touchscreen, buttons, switches, levers and/or the like. In one example, auser (e.g., instrument player 102 a) may activate the instrumentinterface 106 a via an on/off switch of the user interface module 608.The user may interact with a graphical user interface of a program onthe digital device (e.g., game console) by inputting directions (e.g.,up, down, left, or right) and entering a selection (e.g., an “enter”function). The user may also select the type of real instrument beingplayed, the number of real instruments to be played, the number ofplayers, and/or the type of game console. In some embodiments, one ormore of these selections are made by the user interacting with a programor game on the digital device via the user interface module 608. In oneexample, the user interface module 608 may comprise a keypad 532.

The digital device interface module 610 is configured to couple theinstrument interface 106 a with a digital device, including, but notlimited to, a computer, game console 108, or display 110. In someembodiments, the digital device interface module 610 comprises a USBport (e.g., USB port 514). Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe digital device interface module 610 may comprise any type of port(e.g., USB, Ethernet, or firewire) or an antenna for wirelesscommunication. In various embodiments, the instrument interface 106 amay be powered or charged from the digital device via the digital deviceinterface module 610.

In various embodiments, the instrument interface 106 a may be updated,configured, and/or programmed via digital device over the digital deviceinterface module 610. In one example, a user may couple the instrumentinterface 106 a with the digital device via cable over the instrumentinterface 106 a. A program (e.g., executable application) may beexecuted on the digital device thereby allowing the user to control theinstrument interface 106 a. In some embodiments, the user may upgradethe firmware of the instrument interface 106 a, associate one or morereal instruments with the instrument interface 106 a, select or generatean instrument identifier, select a game console 108, select a program(e.g., a learning application or a game) for the game console 108,and/or program the user interface of the instrument interface 106 a. Insome embodiments, the user may also control the digital signalprocessing of one or more signals received from a real instrument 104 asuch as gain, filtration, equalization, attenuation, and/or add audioeffects, modifications or enhancements.

The power module 612 powers the instrument interface 106 a. In variousembodiments, the power module 612 comprises a battery and/or a charger.The power module 612 may store energy to power the instrument interface106 a and may indicate when power is low and the amount of time ofbattery power that is left. In various embodiments, the power module 612may perform surge protection or filtration of the power. In someexamples, the power module 612 comprises a power module 548.

It will be appreciated that a “module” may comprise software, hardware,firmware, and/or circuitry. In one example one or more software programscomprising instructions capable of being executable by a processor mayperform one or more of the functions of the modules described herein. Inanother example, circuitry may perform the same or similar functions.Alternative embodiments may comprise more, less, or functionallyequivalent modules and still be within the scope of present embodiments.For example, as previously discussed, the functions of the variousmodules may be combined or divided differently.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary method for wireless connectivity between aninstrument interface 106 a and a digital device such as a game console108. In optional step 702, a user may configure settings of theinstrument interface 106 a or a program on the digital device toidentify a real instrument 104 a. In some embodiments, a user mayidentify the real instrument 104 a as a guitar, drums, keyboard, or thelike. In other embodiments, the instrument interface 106 a may beconfigured to determine when the instrument interface 106 a is coupledwith a real instrument 104 a. In one example, the instrument interface106 a does not specifically identify the real instrument 104 a butrather determines when the instrument interface 106 a is coupled withthe real instrument 104 a (e.g., by receiving a signal from the realinstrument 104 a).

In optional step 704, the instrument interface 106 a receives a formatselection. In one example, when the instrument interface 106 a isconfigured to communicate with a game console 108, the instrumentinterface 106 a determines how to format data to be provided to the gameconsole 108. In some embodiments, different game consoles 108 and/ordifferent network adaptors require the data to be formatted differently.Once the instrument interface 106 a recognizes or is configured for theright game console 108 and/or wireless network, the instrument interface106 a may determine or otherwise receive a format selection such thatdata can be received by the game console 108. In some embodiments, thesignal processing module 604 of the instrument interface 106 adetermines the format selection.

In step 706, the instrument module 602 of the instrument interface 106 areceives a real instrument 104 a signal. In some embodiments, the signalfrom the real instrument 104 a is an analog signal. The instrumentmodule 602 and/or the signal processing module 604 may apply a gain,attenuate, filter, modify, or enhance the signal. Further, the signalmay be converted to a digital signal by an ADC.

In step 708, the signal processing module 604 converts the realinstrument signal to the selected format such that a receiving digitaldevice (e.g., game console 108) may receive and process the signal. Theselected format may be the format determined and/or identified in step704.

In step 710, the signal processing module 604 processes the formattedsignal to include an instrument identifier. As discussed herein, theinstrument identifier may be static or dynamic. The instrumentidentifier may be previously assigned to the instrument interface 106 aor dynamically assigned by the instrument interface 106 a, by anotherinstrument interface, game console 108, or any digital device.

In various embodiments, multiple real instruments are coupled withseparate instrument interfaces. The signals from each instrumentinterface may be associated with a different instrument identifier. Thesignals may then be received by the game console 108 which may thenseparate the signals based on the instrument identifier. A game or otherprogram on the game console 108 may then play back each signal such thatthe real instruments sound or appear like they are playing together.Further, the game console 108 may allow competition between instruments,provide separate instruction for each instrument, judge the quality andtechnical merit of the play of each instrument, and so on.

In step 712, the wireless communication module 606 wirelessly outputsthe processed signal as a console signal to the digital device (e.g.,game console 108).

FIG. 8 a depicts a front and right side view of the instrument interface106 a in an embodiment. The instrument interface 106 a as depictedcomprises a body 802, a cable interface 804, a selector 806, an enterbutton 808, an activation/deactivation switch 810, and an audio out port812. In some embodiments, the body 802 is cylindrical in shape,approximately 48 mm long and 18 mm in diameter. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the instrument interface 106 a may be any shape andmay be of any length and/or diameter.

The cable interface 804 may be a line in port (e.g., analog input port214 of FIG. 2, line in port 310 of FIG. 3, line in port 416 of FIG. 4,and/or line in port 526 of FIG. 5). In one example, a standard cable maybe used to couple the real instrument 104 a to the cable interface 804.In some embodiments, the instrument module 602 (see FIG. 6) may receivea signal from the real instrument 104 a via the cable interface 804.

The selector 806 comprises any interface that a user may use to inputselections into the instrument interface 106 a. In one example, theselector 806 is a joystick that may move up, down, left, or right. Auser may wirelessly interact with the learning environment or otherprogram on a game console 108 by inputting selections with the selectorand/or pushing the enter key 808. The choices may be reflected in agraphical user interface of the game or program. For example, a game mayrequire a selection between three different modes. The user may choose amode by pushing the selector 806 upwards. The selection is thenwirelessly transmitted from the instrument interface 106 a to the gameconsole 108 which may then receive the signal and highlight the desiredmode. The user may then depress the enter key 808 to activate theselection.

The activation/deactivation switch 810 activates and/or deactivates theinstrument interface 106 a. The audio out port 812 may be configured tooutput a signal from a real instrument 104 a, output from the gameconsole 108, and/or a mixed signal from both the real instrument 104 aand the game console 108.

FIG. 8 b depicts a bottom view 814 of the instrument interface 106 a inan embodiment. The bottom view 814 of the instrument interface 106 a maycomprise a USB port 816 and an LED 818. The body of the instrumentinterface 106 a may also allow for a battery to be placed in the bottomof the instrument interface 106 a (e.g., an alkaline, lithium, and/orrechargeable battery).

The USB port 816 may be any port configured to be coupled with a digitaldevice. In some embodiments, the instrument interface 106 a may beconfigured and/or charged via the USB port 816. The LED 818 may beconfigured to indicate when the instrument interface 106 a is activated,powered (e.g., charged), and or functioning.

In some embodiments, the game console 108 executes a program to teach auser to learn and play a real instrument 104 a. For example, for rhythmguitar, the program may display guitar tabs synchronized with the audioplayback and live (user generated) guitar track. The streaming audiofrom the user's guitar may be delivered via USB to the game console 108and synchronized with the game audio playback. The user's guitar tonemay be modified through amp/effect modeling (e.g., by the game console108 and or the instrument interface 106 a) to duplicate that of theoriginal recording.

FIG. 9 is a general block diagram of a game console 108 in anembodiment. The game console 108 comprises a receiving module 902, amultiple instrument module 904, a user interaction module 906, a musicplayer module 908, a teaching module 910, a synchronization module 912,a recordation module 914, and a communication module 916. The gameconsole 108, as discussed herein, may be any game console such as aMicrosoft Xbox or any digital device. The receiving module 902 receivesa signal from the instrument interface 106 a. The some examples, thesignal may comprise music, output from the real instrument 104 a, aninstrument identifier, and/or selections from the instrument interface106 a. The receiving module 902 may comprise an antenna configured toreceive data wirelessly from the instrument interface 106 a and/or maycomprise a port configured to receive data from the instrument interface106 a via a wire (e.g., game pad port, USB port, or the like). In someembodiments, the receiving module 902 may decode, decrypt, and/orperform error correction on the signal(s) received from the instrumentinterface(s).

The multiple instrument module 904 is configured to separate signalsreceived via the receiving module 902 from separate real instruments. Insome embodiments, separate channels may be used for each signalassociated with a different instrument identifier. In some embodiments,the multiple instrument module 904 may detect one or more differentinstrument interfaces and assign a separate instrument identifier toeach one. The respective instrument identifier may be provided to ainstrument interface 106 a via the communication module 916. Theinstrument interface 106 a may receive the instrument identifier andthen associate all signals provided to the game console 108 with theassigned instrument identifier.

The user interaction module 906 may retrieve user selections (e.g., viaa keypad or buttons on the instrument interface 106 a) from the signalsreceived via the receiving module 902. The user interaction module 906may also display (or control the display of) a graphical user interfaceand allow the user of the instrument interface 106 a to interact withthe graphical user interface based on the retrieved user selections.

In various embodiments, the user interaction module 906 may displayoptions for the user to select via the instrument interface 106 aincluding learn, play, record, or share. When learn is selected,instruction on how to play the real instrument 104 a may be provided.When play is selected, the user may have the option to play along withsongs on the game console 108 and practice. The user may also have theoption to download more songs from a network via the communicationmodule 916. When record is selected, the output from the real instrument104 a and/or background music (e.g., selected songs) may be recorded forplayback later. When share is selected, the recorded music or music thatis currently being played may be shared with others (e.g., over anetwork).

In some embodiments, the user interaction module 906 may display imagesand sounds to assist the user in playing the real instrument 104 a. Inone example, the user interaction module 906 generates synchronizeddisplays of music notation, tablature, lyrics, and other visual and/oraudio representations of playing methods for a given song or track(s) inreal-time (or near real-time) along with the song. One or more of thedifferent displays and/or sounds may be based upon user preference.

The user interaction module 906 may also be configured to generate asynchronized metronome. The metronome may have timing calculated tomatch a song that is playing (e.g., a song selected by the user). Themetronome may be audio, video, or both. The user interaction module 906may comprise an option to allow a user to activate or deactivate themetronome. In some examples, the user may deactivate the display of themetronome but may continue to hear the metronome. Alternately, the usermay deactivate the audio portion of the metronome and continue to see adisplay of a metronome on the display 110. Further, the user maydeactivate both the audio and visual portions of the metronome.

The music player module 908 may play music received from one or more ofthe real instruments. In some embodiments, the user interaction module906 may provide instructions on how to play the real instrument, a gamefor learning, a game for competition, or any program that allows userinteraction with the real instrument. The music player module 908 mayplay back music received via the receiving module 902 as well as provideinstructions for notes to be played. In one example, the music playermodule 908 may display the strings of a guitar to be played as well asthe position of the fingers on the neck of the guitar in time withmusic.

The music player module 908 may also receive a music selection from theuser via the user interaction module 906 and play back the musicselection allowing the user to play along with the selection. In someembodiments, the music player module 908 may remove one or more parts ofthe music thereby allowing the user to play the real instrument 104 a inplace of the missing part. For example, the music player module 908 mayremove a lead guitar portion of a selected song thereby allowing theuser to play the real instrument 104 a in place of the lead guitarportion. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any portion ofthe music may be removed or modified to allow one or more user to playreal instrument(s) in conjunction with one or more songs.

The teaching module 910 may provide instructions, suggestions, and/orcorrections to the user. In some embodiments, signals received from areal instrument 104 a are analyzed and compared against a standard. Inone example, the user plays a portion of a song with a real instrument104 a. The signals are received by the receiving module 902 and theteaching module 910 compares the received signals against a standardsong or expectation. The teaching module 910 may provide instructionsfor improvement, provide practice drills, test certain techniques,and/or select music to emphasize learning. In some embodiments, the usermay select a practice mode (e.g., easy, middle, and hard). The teachingmodule 910 may then rate the user's performance more strictly or easilybased on the mode. The teaching module 910 and/or the music playermodule 908 may reward good playing. In some examples, the user may berewarded by a change in the display (e.g., fireworks), sound, and/or aperformance by an expert and/or famous musician. The teaching module 910may also rank or rate the performance.

The synchronization module 912 may synchronize the playing by the userof the real instrument. In one example, the synchronization module 912receives a signal from the instrument interface 106 a via the receivingmodule 902. The synchronization module 912 may then synchronize thesignal with a song selection or enhance music played by the realinstrument 104 a. In some embodiments, the synchronization module 912synchronizes the signals received from multiple instrument interfaces.The synchronization module 912 may also synchronize signals receivedfrom multiple instrument interfaces with one or more songs.

In some embodiments, when a real instrument 104 a is played over anexisting song, the program or the instrument interface 106 a may performa variety of emulations (e.g., instrument/amp/cabinet emulation) tosimulate the sound of the original recording. In some embodiments, theuser has the ability to mute or replace selected tracks from aprerecorded music library supplied on the game or downloaded through anonline portal. The songs may be pre-mixed into “stems” representing keyinstruments used in the song (e.g., lead guitar, rhythm guitar, leadvocal, backup vocal, bass guitar, and a consolidated mix of theremaining sounds an instruments: percussion, keyboard, accordion, orspecial effects).

The synchronization module 912 may be configured to allow a user tore-master a selected song while replacing an original music track withanother created by the user. In one example, the user selects a song andan instrument (e.g., lead guitar). The game console 108 may play theselected song without the lead guitar track. The game console 108 mayrecord the user playing the lead guitar track with the real instrument104 a and re-master the song with the user's track. In some embodiments,the synchronization module 912 and/or the recordation module 914 may beconfigured to apply sound emulation algorithms to the user-generatedtracks to emulate a tone and signal processing of the original track.

The recordation module 914 may record one or more signals from thereceiving module 902. In some embodiments, the recordation module 914records the play and/or performance from the real instrument 104 a.Multiple performances may be recorded. In some embodiments, therecordation module 914 records the music from some but not all of thereal instrument 104 a that provide signals to the game console 108 atone time. The recordings may be played back so that a user may learnfrom the performance and/or enjoy the music. The recordation may also beshared over a network. In some embodiments, the recordation module 914records the performance(s) on a hard drive or other computer readablemedium.

The communication module 916 communicates with one or more digitaldevices via a network. In some embodiments, the game console 106 iscoupled to a network such as the Internet via the communication module916. Recordations may be shared by the communication module 916.Further, players at different locations may interact, play, compete,and/or learn from each other.

In some embodiments, a signal from a real instrument 104 a may bereceived via a receiving module 902 and another signal may be receivedvia the communication module 916. The two signals may be separated basedon distinct instrument identifiers by the multiple instrument module904. The music player module 908 and/or the teaching module 910 mayinteract with both signals allowing a local and a remote user to playtogether. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are manyways multiple users (remote, local, or both) may play, compete, and/orlearn from each other and interact with the program.

In various embodiments, the game console 108 may be configured toidentify an instrument interface 106 a and an associated real instrument104 a. The game console 108 may then identify one or more tracks of asong and give the user the option to play the real instrument 106 a inplace of one of the tracks. In one example, the game console 108identifies an instrument interface 106 a (e.g., via the instrumentidentifier) and identifies a real instrument 104 a associated with theinstrument interface 106 a. In some embodiments, game console 108 mayidentify the real instrument 104 a automatically based on the signalfrom the instrument interface 106 a or through an indication from theuser (e.g., via the navigation controls on the keypad of the instrumentinterface 106 a). The game console 108 may then give the option to theuser to play an associated track of a song. For example, if the gameconsole 108 identifies the real instrument 104 a as a guitar, the gameconsole 108 may provide the player of the guitar the option to play inplace of a lead guitar track or a rhythm guitar track. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that there are many ways in which the gameconsole 108 may provide players the option to play the real instrumentin place of one or more tracks of a song.

Alternative embodiments may comprise more, less, or functionallyequivalent modules and still be within the scope of present embodiments.For example, as previously discussed, the functions of the variousmodules may be combined or divided differently

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary digital device 1000. Any ofthe instrument interfaces, game console 108, or display 110 may be aninstance of the digital device 1000. The digital device 1000 comprises aprocessor 1002, memory system 1004, storage system 1006, a communicationinterface 1008, an input/output interface 1010, and a display interface1012 communicatively coupled to a bus 1014. The processor 1002 isconfigured to execute executable instructions (e.g., programs). In someembodiments, the processor 1002 comprises circuitry or any processorcapable of processing the executable instructions.

The memory system 1004 stores data. Some examples of memory system 1004include storage devices, such as RAM, ROM, RAM cache, virtual memory,etc. In various embodiments, working data is stored within the memorysystem 1004. The data within the memory system 1004 may be cleared orultimately transferred to the storage system 1006.

The storage system 1006 includes any storage configured to retrieve andstore data. Some examples of the storage system 1006 include flashdrives, hard drives, optical drives, and/or magnetic tape. Each of thememory system 1004 and the storage system 1006 comprises acomputer-readable medium, which stores instructions or programsexecutable by processor 1002.

The communication interface (com. interface) 1008 may be coupled to anetwork (e.g., bus 1014) via the link 1016. The communication interface1008 may support communication over an Ethernet connection, a serialconnection, a parallel connection, and/or an ATA connection. Thecommunication interface 1008 may also support wireless communication(e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n, WiMax, LTE, WiFi, wireless USB). It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that the communication interface1008 can support many wired and wireless standards.

The optional input/output interface 1010 is any device that inputs data(e.g., mouse, keyboard, keypad, or joystick). The optional displayinterface 1012 outputs data (e.g., to a display). In one example, thedisplay interface 1012 may comprise a graphic processor or card.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the hardwareelements of the digital device 1000 are not limited to those depicted inFIG. 10. A digital device 1000 may comprise more or less hardware,software and/or firmware components than those depicted (e.g., drivers,operating systems, or touch screens). Further, hardware elements mayshare functionality and still be within various embodiments describedherein. In one example, encoding and/or decoding may be performed by theprocessor 1002 and/or a co-processor located on a GPU (i.e., Nvidia).

The above-described functions and components can comprise instructionsthat are stored on a storage medium such as a computer readable medium.Some examples of instructions include software, program code, andfirmware. The instructions can be retrieved and executed by a processorin many ways.

The present invention is described above with reference to exemplaryembodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications may be made and other embodiments can be usedwithout departing from the broader scope of the present invention.Therefore, these and other variations upon the exemplary embodiments areintended to be covered by the present invention.

1. A method comprising: receiving a music signal from a port of a realmusical instrument; formatting the music signal for transmission to adigital device, wherein the formatted music signal comprises aninstrument identifier; and wirelessly transmitting the formatted musicsignal.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving aninstrument selection.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the format ofthe music signal is based, at least in part, on the instrumentselection.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the instrument selection isreceived from a keypad.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprisingreceiving a format selection and wherein the format of the music signalis based, at least in part, on the format selection.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein receiving the music signal, formatting the musicsignal, and transmitting the formatted music signal is performed by aninstrument interface.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprisingreceiving an activation command and activating an instrument interface.8. The method of claim 1, further comprising charging a battery andreceiving power from the battery to power an instrument interface toreceive the music signal, format the music signal, and transmit theformatted music signal.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein transmittingthe formatted wireless signal occurs via wireless USB.
 10. A systemcomprising: an instrument module configured to receive a music signalfrom a port of a real musical instrument; a signal processing moduleconfigured to format the music signal for transmission to a digitaldevice, wherein the formatted music signal comprises an instrumentidentifier; and an antenna configured to wirelessly transmit theformatted music signal.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein theinstrument module is further configured to receive an instrumentselection from a user.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the format ofthe music signal is based, at least in part, on the instrumentselection.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the instrument selectionis received from a digital device interface.
 14. The system of claim 10,further comprising a signal processing module configured to receive aformat selection and wherein the format of the music signal is based, atleast in part, on the format selection.
 15. The system of claim 10,wherein the system comprises an instrument interface.
 16. The system ofclaim 10, further comprising an activation/deactivation interfaceconfigured to activate or deactivate the system.
 17. The system of claim10, further comprising a power module configured to charge a battery andreceive power from the battery to power the system to receive the musicsignal, format the music signal, and transmit the formatted musicsignal.
 18. The system of claim 10, wherein antenna transmits theformatted wireless signal via wireless USB.
 19. A computer readablemedium comprising executable instructions, the instructions executableby a processor to perform a method, the method comprising: receiving amusic signal from a port of a real musical instrument; formatting themusic signal for transmission to a digital device, wherein the formattedmusic signal comprises an instrument identifier; and wirelesslytransmitting the formatted music signal.